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Auburn University Department of Physics


Bacteria can make testosterone. What could that mean for prostate cancer?

Researchers discovered a bacterium in urine that can convert DHEA into testosterone, shedding light on a previously unknown microbial route to a hormone central to prostate biology. This finding raises new questions about the potential role of microorganisms near the prostate in shaping its chemical environment.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

Researchers solve longstanding problem in measuring semiconductor defects

A new method by Auburn University researchers and partners at Sandia National Laboratories accurately detects atomic-scale defects in electronic materials, improving technologies such as electric vehicles and high-power electronics. The technique uses a physics-based framework to remove measurement uncertainty.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

Quantum crystals offer a blueprint for the future of computing and chemistry

Researchers at Auburn University have developed a new class of materials that allows for tunable electron delocalization, enabling applications in quantum computing, catalysis, and advanced electronics. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fields such as energy transfer, bonding, and conductivity.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalACS Materials Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2025

Physicists uncork a message in a bottle from another star

Scientists from Auburn University have detected hydroxyl gas from interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, providing insight into the evolution of comets and their chemical composition. The discovery suggests that water activity can occur at large distances from the Sun, challenging current understanding of planetary formation.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2025

From engines to nanochips: Scientists redefine how heat really moves

Researchers at Auburn University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have developed a unified statistical theory of heat conduction that explains the unusual ways heat moves in tiny materials. This breakthrough has significant implications for the design of nanochips, AI processors, and advanced energy technologies.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2025

Auburn and FIOCRUZ tackle the rising global challenge of Chagas Disease

Researchers at Auburn University and FIOCRUZ have made significant strides in understanding Chagas Disease mechanisms through novel molecular dynamics simulation. The study identifies new potential targets for therapeutic intervention, which could lead to the development of drugs to block the infection process.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalBiochemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2025

Auburn University scientists unlock a key mystery in brain function and understanding Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found that neurons use natural forces to keep their connections strong, and disruptions in these processes may be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. The study provides new insights into neuronal connections and offers a potential target for therapies aimed at keeping the brain healthy as we age.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

AI unlocks new path to personalized cancer treatments

Researchers at Auburn University have developed a novel approach integrating artificial intelligence with molecular dynamics simulations and network analysis to enhance the prediction of binding sites on the PD-L1 protein. Their findings could improve immunotherapies like pembrolizumab, revolutionizing cancer treatment.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

The jigglings and wigglings of atoms reveal key aspects of COVID-19 virulence evolution

A groundbreaking study analyzed the behavior of atoms in COVID-19 proteins to understand its evolution and spread. The research found critical distinctions in mechanical stability among various virus strains, highlighting how these differences contribute to the virus's aggressiveness.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 27, 2023

Exascale revolution: Supercomputers unleash a new era in biophysics discovery

The next generation of supercomputers is revolutionizing biophysics research, allowing researchers to simulate complex biological processes with extraordinary detail. This enables the creation of new proteins and design of novel molecular circuits, challenging longstanding biological assumptions.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2023